As the pharmaceutical industry slowly shifts from small-molecules to biologics demand for vials, ampoules and syringes looks set to increase as this type of packaging is more suited to the long-term stability and containment of such drugs.
These delicate types of packaging need to be handled more carefully than traditional plastic packs, creating a need for machines capable of processing glass packaging units rapidly and safely. The toploader system is Sigpack’s effort to address this emerging industrial need.
The firm explained that the “toploader is based on the rotation principal allowed by the assembly of the units (U-form),” adding that it features a “space-saving double axis robot” that loads trays from both the front and back of the machine.
The unit uses a vacuum suction system to fix trays in place as opposed to set holding appliances enabling different formats to be processed simultaneously, which Sigpack believes will further boost efficiency.
The toploader also features either a barcode verification or camera system for monitoring as well as ejection appliances that separate damaged or defective products during processing.
Sigpack believes that these features make the unit applicable to the handing of fragile glass packaging products like vial, syringes and ampoules, particularly those that will contain toxic or expensive drugs.
Renee Kummer product manager for Bosch said: “The top loader fully complies with the demanding security requirements of the pharmaceutical industry. The overall concept is consistent with the rotation principle’s space saving design, offering high flexibility of packaging formats, supporting quick line clearance.”